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AFC South
Houston Texans – Season Review
The season began rather inauspiciously with the Texans re-signing David Carr and taking DE Mario Williams with the #1 overall draft choice rather than home town favorite Vince Young or even Reggie Bush. The real ignominy associated with the VY pick is that he beat them twice, even in their own stadium. Not to mention the fact that the owner of the Titans is the less-than-reverred former owner of the Houston Oilers who moved the team to Tennessee about a decade ago.
Offense:
The Texans hired Gary Kubiak to be their second Head Coach, and expectations were that the Texans would have an offense similar to the one Denver has run so efficiently for so many years. That obviously did not happen-most likely because of the lack of talent and depth on the Texans roster. First, Dom Davis missed the entire season due to his knee ailments. The offensive line is a continuing soap opera, nearly always leading to poor pass protection and inconsistent play. WR Andre Johnson led the NFL in receptions, but free agent WR Eric Moulds was not targeted enough to be effective. Rookie TE Owen Daniels exhibited his potential, until he got hurt. The OL struggled all season, it too was beset by injuries, all that took a toll on QB David Carr as his sack totals piled up. The Texans offense has been a whole series of short passes and dump offs to running backs-whether that is a product of the poor line play or Kubiak’s dissatisfaction with D Carr is not known.
The RB chores were split amongst Ron Dayne, Wali Lundy and Samkon Gado this season. Each had one game where they were impressive, but they too lacked consistency.
Defense:
At times the Defense played extremely well, but in the end the talent level here is still not enough for this team to compete for a post season berth. The depth along the defensive line has been impacted by a string of injuries, the latest being a torn rotator cuff by DE Anthony Weaver. DE Mario Williams showed flashes of his potential with 4.5 sacks after 6 games, but a lingering foot injury has hampered his play ever since. The starting DT’s for week 15, Johnson and Maddox, were second or third string at beginning of the season.
The one bright spot has been the development and play of LB Demeco Ryans, who is the concensus Defensive ROY. He is near the league lead in tackles. Morlon Greenwood has been a very good complimentary LB for Ryans. Unfortunately, no one else has stepped up at the other LB spot. Antuan Peek is a hybrid DE-LB type and is probably the Texans best pass rusher, but he too has been hampered by injuries.
CB Dante Robinson has played extremely well this season and is a definite keeper. The remainder of the defensive backfield, CB D Faggins and Safeties Glenn Earl and CC Brown, were mediocre.
Offseason:
The question remains in the off-season as to whether or not the Texans will cut ties with QB David Carr or keep him around. Speculation is rampant in local sports talk radio shows and in print that Carr may be traded or cut in the offseason. QB Jake Plummer is the most talked-about target, if he becomes a free agent. The Texans need to determine who will be their prime RB- is Dom Davis involved in this decision or not? This is crucial because come NFL Draft day the Texans could have a shot at RB Adrian Peterson OU if he declares. QB Jamarcus Russell might tempt them also if he declares. Surely a Safety will be picked on the first day to compete with Brown and Earl. Also, look for a LB to be targeted in Free Agency or in Draft.
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